Hungary water shortage emergency as heatwave hits, PM calls for conservation

A severe heatwave has triggered a water‑shortage crisis in Hungary, prompting the government to label the situation a national‑security issue. Expert Tarjányi Péter warned that decades of delayed infrastructure upgrades, climate‑driven demand growth and rapid urban expansion have left the water‑supply system vulnerable. He urged the use of EU funds to modernise reservoirs, distribution networks and water‑security assets before conditions worsen.

Prime Minister Magyar Péter announced a two‑day appeal for citizens to limit non‑essential drinking‑water use, such as garden irrigation, car washing and pool filling. Water restrictions now affect 120 municipalities, with second‑level limits in place and 6,797 residents already experiencing shortages. The National Water Company, civil‑protection services and the army have deployed water‑truck fleets and additional tankers to maintain supply for drinking, cooking, hygiene, hospitals, nursing homes and firefighting.

The ministry emphasized that preserving drinking water for critical needs is essential to avoid further disruptions across health, energy and public order sectors.